Jammu, 07 Aug (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah Wednesday asked people of Jammu to differentiate between the advancements made prior to and following the revocation of Article 370.

While addressing a public meeting in Nagri, Kathua, organized by Rajeev Kumar, Omar Abdullah highlighted that the majority of factories and private investments in Kathua and Samba belt were established by successive NC governments.

Additional General secretary Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta, YNC PP Ajaz Jan, party leaders Vijay Lochan, Satwant Dogra, Bimbla Luthra, Ajit Kumar, Rakesh Singh Raka, K K.Bakshi, Subhash Chander Azad, Parveen Kosar, Vijay Laxmi Dutta, and Dilshad Malik were present on the occasion.

Addressing the party worker, Omar posed a thought-provoking question to what new units have been established since the abrogation of Article 370. "It is imperative that we recognize and appreciate the developments that occurred before Aug 05 2019. We must not overlook the history and progress of the region, both before and after the abrogation of Article 370. The reality is that no significant new developments have emerged since August 5 2019 decisions were made," he said.

Omar further took a jibe on the claims declaring that abrogation of Article 370 would silence the guns and improve the security scenario in the region. "But has it? The regions that were once cleared of militancy are now seeing a resurgence. Our brave army officers are sacrificing their lives daily. Not a day goes by without hearing about encounters in Jammu Province.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe condition in which we left the Jammu region was far better than it is today. Where is the promised peace? The little peace we had achieved has been completely destroyed," he said.

Omar lauded the groundbreaking land reforms spearheaded by Sher-e-Kashmir, emphasizing that these revolutionary changes have enabled the Dalits of the Jammu region to live with dignity. "Unlike in other parts of the country, where Dalits endure discriminatory treatment, here they are respected. Dalit bridegrooms aren't forced to dismount from their horses in humiliation in Jammu, thanks to Sheikh Sahib, who granted them land rights, the Dalits now have control over their destinies. The legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir lives on in the liberated and empowered Dalits of Jammu."

"Ask our mothers and sisters about the challenges of running a household. Inquire with our unemployed youth who are struggling to find work before aging out of eligibility. Inflation has skyrocketed, development is stagnant, and electricity shortages plague the Jammu region, causing sleepless nights during scorching summers. The promises made by the ruling BJP to justify their actions on August 5, 2019, are contradicted by the daily struggles faced by our people in Jammu. Where is the promised investment? Where are the job opportunities? Where are the improved roads and infrastructure? These are the questions on everyone's minds. People have every right to demand answers and make informed decisions when casting their votes in the upcoming assembly elections in J&K."(KNS)